A Mood and Sleep Record for Your Child’s Psychiatrist

Record changes from the child’s usual pattern

Describe what is different for this child: sleep, energy, activity, irritability, low mood, concentration and judgment. Use dates and ordinary observations instead of labelling each day “manic” or “depressed”.

Bipolar assessment considers distinct episodes and their wider context. Ordinary shifts in mood, emotional dysregulation and difficulty sleeping do not by themselves establish bipolar disorder. A child and adolescent psychiatrist should guide suspected bipolar assessment.

Keep entries brief and factual

Ask the psychiatrist what format would be most useful. Until then, a simple daily note can organise information without turning family life into continuous monitoring. Include the child’s own account where they are comfortable sharing it.

• Approximate sleep and whether the child seemed tired or unusually energetic afterward.
• Mood and activity changes, with one concrete example.
• School, friendships and everyday functioning.
• Medicines taken as prescribed, missed doses or possible side effects to discuss with the prescriber.
• Major events, illness or other relevant changes.

Use examples rather than conclusions

An entry might say: “Slept much less than usual, reported no tiredness and began several unusually ambitious activities.” That observation needs clinical interpretation. It is not a diagnosis, and severe changes should be discussed promptly rather than saved for a distant appointment.

Keep the record private. Avoid using it during arguments or as proof that the child is responsible for family difficulties. Agree how information will be shared with the treating team.

Do not wait for a complete diary when help is needed

Seek urgent medical or psychiatric advice for major changes in sleep and energy, unusual beliefs, risky behaviour or rapidly worsening functioning. Immediate danger, self-harm risk or inability to stay safe requires emergency help.

Bring available notes, previous reports and a medication list to the psychiatrist. Do not stop, restart or adjust medicines based on a diary score. Inclusive can discuss psychological or family support alongside specialist care, rather than replace it.